Ninja Gaiden 4's Surprise Unveiling at Xbox Developer Direct 2025

Ninja Gaiden 4 and Ninja Gaiden 2 Black: A Double Dose of Ninja Action

The Xbox Developer Direct 2025 delivered a surprise for action game fans: the announcement of Ninja Gaiden 4 and the release of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black. Team Ninja, celebrating its 30th anniversary, declared 2025 "The Year of the Ninja."

Ninja Gaiden 4: A New Era Begins

Developed by Team Ninja and PlatinumGames, Ninja Gaiden 4 marks the series' return after a 13-year hiatus. This direct sequel to Ninja Gaiden 3 promises the series' signature blend of brutal, rewarding combat.

The game introduces a new protagonist, Yakumo, a young ninja from the rival Raven clan, striving to become a Master Ninja. Art Director Tomoko Nishii (PlatinumGames) described Yakumo as a character designed to stand alongside Ryu Hayabusa. Producer and Director Yuji Nakao (PlatinumGames) explained the decision to introduce a new hero: to broaden the series' appeal while still providing a significant role for Ryu Hayabusa as a major antagonist and benchmark for Yakumo's growth.

Ryu Hayabusa remains a crucial part of the narrative and will be playable, ensuring longtime fans are catered to.

A New Combat Style

Ninja Gaiden 4 boasts breakneck-speed combat, retaining the brutal intensity of its predecessors. Yakumo wields two distinct fighting styles: Raven Style and the new Bloodbind Ninjutsu Nue Style. Team Ninja's Masazaku Hirayama assures fans that while different, both styles maintain the core feel of the Ninja Gaiden series. Nakao highlights the collaboration between Team Ninja and PlatinumGames, aiming to marry the series' challenging action with PlatinumGames' dynamic and fast-paced combat.

The game is nearing completion (70-80% finished) and is currently in the polishing phase.

Release Date and Availability

Ninja Gaiden 4 launches in Fall 2025 for Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5. It will be a day-one Xbox Game Pass title.

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black: A Remastered Classic

A remake of the 2008 Xbox 360 classic, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, is available now on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5, and is included with Xbox Game Pass. This version features additional playable characters (Ayane, Momiji, and Rachel), fulfilling fan requests from the 2021 Ninja Gaiden Master Collection release.

This serves as a satisfying interim experience for fans eagerly awaiting Ninja Gaiden 4.